The Gordie Foundation was created in 2004 after Gordie Bailey, a freshman at the University of Colorado, died of an alcohol overdose as a result of fraternity hazing. Founded by Gordie’s family, the Foundation is dedicated to providing today’s young people with the skills to navigate the dangers of alcohol, binge drinking, peer pressure, and hazing.
Each year, nearly 5,000 young adults under the age of 21 die due to alcohol misuse. Through outreach initiatives, strategic partnerships and programs, the Gordie Foundation is committed to the prevention of these tragic and needless deaths.
The cornerstone program of the Foundation is the Circle of Trust, a student-driven, peer-to-peer education program with chapters on over 150 college and high school campuses worldwide. These groups promote change by sharing Gordie’s story, talking about responsible alcohol use and the signs of alcohol poisoning, educating about the dangers of peer pressure and hazing, and empowering friends to call for help to potentially save a life. Other outreach initiatives of the Foundation include National GORDIE day, speaking engagements, partnerships with like-minded organizations, and the production of the feature length documentary film Haze. This film examines the college drinking culture in America and includes an introduction by the foundation’s honorary chairperson and spokesperson Robin Wright Penn.
Alcohol abuse is the #1 health risk facing students today. To learn how you can make a difference, please visit www.gordie.org.